If you ask someone from Llanes about their soul's celebration, the answer will be immediate and they will describe it to you like this: “It’s much more than a feeling”Devotion, tradition, folklore, and above all, a lot of heart. Visitors have a harder time choosing, as the possibilities are endless.
With the arrival of summer, the town prepares to dress up and celebrate its three major events of the year: the celebrations of the three sides of Llanes. Divided chronologically between Santa María Magdalena in July, San Roque in August and the Virgin of the Guide In September, these celebrations are part of the summer festivals in Llanes most anticipated and are declared of National Tourist Interest.
What are the Bands of Llanes?
The Factions are brotherhoods that guard their respective historic chapelsFar from being mere recreational organizations, these neighborhood groups harbor a deep-rooted sense of belonging and pride in local rootsIts origin dates back to nineteenth century And, although they were born from ancient political disputes, they evolved into a fascinating festive, cultural and territorial rivalry: a historic and healthy rivalry based on a constant desire to improve.
Thanks to this community effort, Today, ancestral chants, traditional dances, and the richness of their regional costumes are preserved., where the Women wear the traditional dress of a Llanisca or village woman, and the men, the one from PorruanoAlthough each side has its own identity, they all share a festive structure that goes far beyond liturgical acts: masses, processions, sports competitions, gastronomic offerings, cultural events and the mythical open-air dances that extend the magic of the Llanes summer until dawn.
1. La Magdalena Llanes: bonfires and carnations
As tradition dictates, the madalenudos They are responsible for opening the season in July. Held when the town has not yet reached the peak tourist season crowds, Magdalena Llanes is considered one of the most traditional and pure festivals of the calendar. color emblematic is the Red and flower distinctive is the clavel, which floods the lapels of the devotees.
One of its most important moments is the Bonfire of Mary Magdalene, July 21thOn the eve of the festival, the young men and children of the Bando star in a colorful parade carrying colossal logs on their shoulders eucalyptusDancing in zig-zag Through the streets of the historic center, they transport the wood to the Plaza de la Magdalena, where it is set on fire to the sound of the songs and tambourines of the women.
El Big day of Magdalena Llanes, the July 22thThe morning awakens to salvos of rockets and the rhythm of the pasodoble. The solemn transfer of the Saint from her chapel to the Basilica to celebrate Mass, and after the service, the procession winds through the town center to return the image to its church. This is followed by the offering of bouquets, a folk festival with a monumental prima dance and a busy pilgrimage on the dock.
Also noteworthy is the emotional Carnation On the last day of the month, a nighttime parade takes place, accompanied by a huge cider tasting where thousands of red carnations are distributed to bid farewell to the Saint. During the weekends of July, the town's squares also host the famous La Magdalena Traditional Market.
2. San Roque Festival in Llanes: the pilgrim's festival
In August, Llanes immerses itself in its most important festival crowded, cheerful and boisterousPopularly known as the Pilgrim's festivalThe San Roque Festival in Llanes is historically linked to summer visitors and the dynamism of the Asturian summer. Its color is green and its totemic flower is the dahlia.
El Big day, August 16th, XNUMX, starts with morning musical parades and religious serviceAfterwards, the procession solemnly moves towards Parres Sobrino Square, where the colorful celebration takes place. The offering of the bouquets takes place, and the classic Dance of Saint Roch is performed.The subsequent folk festival is a delight for lovers of tradition, with regional dances such as the Fandango de Pendueles, the Jota del Cuera, the Xiringüelu de Naves or the emblematic Pericote de Llanes.
As night fell, the El Sablón beach It becomes a natural amphitheater to witness a monumental fireworks and water displayThe most exciting moment comes when the bagpipe bands play the Anthem of Asturias in unison before giving way to a big open-air dance.
Among its key events are also the traditional pilgrimage in La Vega de la Portilla, the popular Jacobean pilgrimage from the village chapel to the hermitage of San Roque de Queduru, in Nueva, and the prestigious cider pouring contest.
3. La Guía Llanes Festival: mantillas and Dance of the Arches
September marks the end of summer and brings with it the most intimate and longed-for party by the residents of Llanes themselves, who seek to restore the town's calm rhythm after the hustle and bustle of August. With a deep-rooted seafaring tradition, the Llanes Guide Festival It tints the air sky blue and perfumes the atmosphere with the unmistakable aroma of white tuberose.
El Big day, September 8, coincides with the Day of AsturiasThe day begins with a grand folk parade of bagpipes and brass bands Before Mass at the Basilica. procession of the Virgin's return to her hermitage It is an unparalleled display of color, supported by hundreds of women dressed as villagers, men as porruanos, and children who delight the public with the traditional Dance of the Arches.
Upon reaching the bridge, the entourage stops, The Virgin Mary looks towards the sea and doves are released into the airThe route culminates at the top of the hill by the hermitage with a large dance. Among the additional celebrations, the Day of the Bollu stands out, kicking off the festivities with a colorful parade of floats where participants distribute cider to the attendees, in addition to the lively Summer Carnival.
Practical tips for visitors
It's important to keep the key dates in mind: July 22nd, August 16th, and September 8th. These are the days when the town is most crowded, so to witness the traditional dances and processions from a good vantage point, we recommend arriving early at locations such as the Basilica of Santa María del Conceyu, Parres Sobrino Square, the pier, El Sablón beach, La Magdalena square, the bridge over the Carrocéu River, or the La Guía chapel.
Regarding transportation, it's advisable to park in the park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts or near Toró beach and walk along the pier. The town center and its access roads are often closed due to processions and parades.
To truly appreciate the devotion of the Bandos of Llanes, it is also worth visiting their respective historic chapels during the intervening days and in the early afternoon. Chapel of Mary Magdalene is in the Magdalena Square, right in the heart of the old town; the one of San Roque, In Nemesio Sobrino Street; and the Hermitage of La Guía, in top of the hill overlooking the village.
A summer with a Llanes identity
Whether you're basking in the warmth of the bonfire in July, surrendering to the folkloric bustle of August, or being moved by the silence of the mantillas in September, the Bandos de Llanes create a unique summer in the north.
La Magdalena, San Roque, and La Guía are much more than summer festivals in Llanes: they represent devotion, friendly rivalry, family traditions, and local pride. An unmissable experience that leaves you wanting to return year after year.
